The skyline of Christchurch is about to change as the vertical construction phase of Te Kaha, the region’s multi-use arena, kicks off.

The commencement of the $683 million project’s next phase, building the grandstands, signals a marked increase in the speed of the construction.

Yesterday marked a milestone in the construction of Te Kaha, as the first elements of the superstructure were successfully installed.

According to David Kennedy, the Chief Executive of Te Kaha Project Delivery, this is just the beginning of the arena’s vertical rise.

“Several components – the largest of which was about 12m long – were successfully lifted by crane and installed at the southern end of the western stand.

“The process went very smoothly, and from now on, people are going to see Te Kaha rapidly rise above the hoardings surrounding the site.”

This phase involves the transport of the steel elements to the site on semi trucks. Once on site, the steel elements are joined together and then lifted into place with crawler and hydraulic telescopic cranes.

The grandstands are expected to take shape throughout the remainder of 2023 and into 2024.

Kennedy added, “The major concrete pours for the arena’s substructure are on track to be completed in the coming month, and the large external steel columns and tiers of all stands will begin taking shape later this year.”

In the meantime, progress on the ground floor concrete walls and columns continues apace.

These structures will support player changing facilities, groundskeepers’ rooms, amenities, and corporate areas along the western, southern, and eastern stands.

Set to open its doors in 2026, Te Kaha is well on its way to becoming a key feature of Canterbury’s infrastructure.

It is currently meeting its projected budgets and timelines.

The arena will have a capacity of 36,000 for large concerts and events. For major sports matches, it will offer up to 30,000 seats, including 25,000 permanent and 5,000 temporary seats.

This grand project promises to bring a new level of entertainment and sporting enjoyment to the region.